Atlanta, GA – May 21, 2025
In a remarkable act of generosity and community investment, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has committed $15.6 million of his own money to transform a historic Buckhead mansion into a comprehensive shelter and resource center for homeless youth in the city.
The announcement came Tuesday morning during a press conference attended by local officials, community leaders, and members of the Falcons organization.
Cousins, who signed with the Falcons in 2024, has already become a central figure in the Atlanta community both on and off the field. This bold initiative marks his most significant philanthropic effort to date.
The decision was reportedly sparked by a serious encounter Cousins had last winter, when he met a teenage boy sleeping in a downtown Atlanta parking structure during an outreach event. “I couldn’t stop thinking about him,” Cousins said during the press conference. “That night changed something in me. I knew I had to do more than donate. I had to create a place of hope.”
The shelter, which will be named The Haven House, is set to open in early 2026. The facility will not only provide safe housing for up to 60 homeless youth at a time but will also include access to counseling, healthcare, education support, job training, and life skills programs. The mansion, previously a private estate spanning over 18,000 square feet, will be renovated to include dormitory-style bedrooms, common areas, classrooms, therapy rooms, and a full-service kitchen.
Mayor Andre Dickens praised Cousins for his leadership and compassion. “Kirk Cousins is setting the bar for what it means to be a civic-minded athlete,” Dickens said. “This isn’t just charity — it’s long-term investment in the future of our city’s youth.”
Atlanta has one of the highest rates of youth homelessness in the Southeast, with an estimated 3,300 young people experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to data from Covenant House Georgia. The Haven House aims to serve as both a model and a hub for new approaches to addressing this crisis.
The shelter will be operated by a coalition of nonprofit organizations led by HomeFront Atlanta, a nonprofit dedicated to ending youth homelessness. Cousins will also establish an ongoing endowment to fund the shelter’s operations, expected to cost around $2 million annually. He plans to remain personally involved, visiting regularly and serving on the advisory board.
“I’ve been blessed beyond what I ever imagined,” Cousins said. “This is my way of saying thank you — to Atlanta, to football, and to the kids who are fighting every day just to survive. They deserve more.”
Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a statement applauding Cousins’ commitment: “Kirk’s compassion, humility, and generosity are a reflection of the values we hold dear at the Falcons organization. We are proud to support him in this mission.”
Construction on The Haven House is expected to begin this summer. In addition to the shelter, Cousins hinted at future community partnerships, including sports programs and scholarship opportunities for youth residents.
The announcement has already sparked excitement and hope across Atlanta. Social media is buzzing with support from fans, civic leaders, and fellow athletes.
